Although the Vehicle Operations Department uses classroom instruction and holographic simulations, it takes full advantage of Academy facilities on Venus, Phobos, and Saturn. The facility encourages a hands-on approach through its array of holographic and instrumentation simulators and a host of training vessels and equipment.

VO 101. Environmental Suit Training

Students learn the use and maintenance of environmental suits for survival in hostile planetary environments and deep space. Exercises include low- and microgravity training, suit maintenance, and hostile atmosphere training. Sessions take place both in simulation and under actual operational conditions at the Phobos and Venusian campuses.

VO 103. Atmospheric Craft

The piloting of vehicles intended for use within a planetary atmosphere. Includes a survey of atmospheric craft in the history of the Federation, with simulations available for training. Emphasis on the use of modern antigravity and impulse-driven craft. Students are trained using flight simulators and hands-on experience on test vehicles.

VO 201. Shuttlecraft

The piloting of Federation shuttlecraft and runabouts. Includes a survey of the department and use of shuttlecraft in Starfleet history. Students pilot simulated and actual shuttlecraft and study take-off and landing procedures, atmospheric maneuvers, orbital positioning, docking maneuvers, and evasive tactics. Final exam takes place at the Academy Flight Range and requires a demonstration of the skills developed during the course.

VO 205. Ground Vehicles

The use and maintenance of different types of ground vehicles, with an emphasis on modern Federation technology. A survey of more primitive vehicles is provided, including simulations for internal combustion and battery-powered vehicles from Federation history. Students study safe driving techniques over a variety of terrain types, evasive maneuvers for combat situations, and negotiating difficult terrain.

VO 207. Water Vehicles

The use of surface and subsurface water-born vehicles, focused primarily on sailing and boating craft. Provides a survey of water vessels from the history of the Federation and their roles in the development of the naval service on Earth. Students study the handling of different water craft in simulations and under actual conditions on San Francisco Bay. Students learn handling navigation, and weather prediction (in simulation).

VO 320. Starship Helm Control

Students examine the physical dynamics of starship impulse maneuvers as well as warp drive movement and navigation procedures. Emphasis on manual control of starship guidance systems and three-dimensional thinking. Students study maneuvering, orbital positioning, docking maneuvers, and tactical maneuvers, first in simulation, then aboard actual starships.